He’s known as Mr. Okra: the man with the colorful personality who carries produce in the back of his truck.

Mr. Okra is known all around the New Orleans area for his melodic announcement of the daily pick. Can’t you hear him now with his deep voice blaring through the megaphone, “I have oranges and bananas. I have good lemons and mirliton.”

Most of us love seeing him. In fact, when we do, it puts a smile on our faces. It was my great honor to sit down with the man, who touches lives every single day. I had many questions for Mr. Okra. We met along a road in the Central Business District to talk about his career and his life.

Who is the man behind the psychedelically designed produce truck? His name is Arthur Robinson, an Uptown native who has catapulted to becoming a local legend.

He got started early in life. You see, Robinson is no stranger to the streets when it comes to slinging fruits and vegetables. His father, the original okra man, gave him a head start on his journey.

His dad started selling fruits from a wheelbarrow and later from a horse and buggy. Robinson rode with him for years. He would venture to other types of jobs while growing up, but he said, “I always went back to this.”

Robinson eventually stuck with his true love and decided to become his own boss and sell produce full time. He’s been at it for decades.

"If you weren’t selling produce, what would you be doing?" I asked.

He said he would dabble in mechanical work for 18-wheelers. He touts his mechanic skills, which have allowed him to have just three trucks in his 31-year career as Mr. Okra. He takes great pride in keeping his current truck in tip-top shape. He maintains it regularly on his own.

But there was one unfortunate incident that was out of his control. Robinson’s famous truck caught on fire about two years ago. He was devastated.

“What did you do then?” I asked.

“Well, the community stepped up and helped me out. I have never been so humbled by the generosity of others,” he said.

Robinson said he got donations from Ronnie Lamarque, of Lamarque Ford; TG Herrington, of Nom de Guerre Films; Weldon Frommeyer, of River Parish Disposal; and Tom Thayer, of the D.B.A. bar. Other people chipped in, too.

Shortly after, Mr. Okra was back in business when he received a brand-new F-150. It was painted and designed by folk artist Mr. Bob.

“The fundraiser was a success, and I cannot tell you how appreciative I was,” he said.

I laughed at the irony. After all, this is a man who has spent much of his life making us smile; keeping us happy and, not to mention, healthy.

Mr. Okra has picked up some buzz over the years. He’s the focus of a 2009 award-winning short documentary film. Not only has his street peddling gotten him on the big screen, but he was also offered an annual spot inside the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. I just love seeing him there. I feel proud that Mr. Okra has many outlets for his self-made career.

In addition, his produce gig has landed him a lot of recognition that has led him to projects outside of selling produce. He was featured on the Confetti Park Players CD “We're Going to Confetti Park,” and he is currently working on a book that is scheduled to be released sometime next year.

Mr. Okra is a New Orleans native, so I would have been remiss not asking about his Hurricane Katrina experience.

“How’d you make out?” I asked.

“In the wake of the storm, I stayed home for two weeks until I was kicked out by the city. I relocated to Tennessee. It was peaceful and relaxing. Living in Tennessee allowed me to be Arthur Robinson full-time,” he said.

I was curious. Who is the real Arthur Robinson where no one knows your name and no one chases your truck down the street?

“I enjoyed the environment so much, I didn't want to leave,” Robinson said. “I got into enjoying seasons and the tranquility of the mountains.”

His daughter eventually convinced him to move back home and continue his notable career.

Fun Facts:

- He's got two children.

- In his free time he likes to relax and spend time with family.

- He loves the attention and says it makes him happy.

- For fun, he likes to kick back and enjoy the "fruits" of his labor.

As we continued to chat, a host of people interrupted us with excitement just to greet him and to buy produce. He chuckled, “People love me.”

“Coming back home made me realize how much the people of New Orleans appreciated me and what I try to do," he said.

Given his resilience and hundreds of supporters, he was able to reclaim the role of Mr. Okra in no time.

“I have oranges, I have tomatoes, and I have berries and broccoli,” he said.

Thank you, Mr. Okra for keeping us upbeat when we see you. It feels good to see people shout and point to him as he drives along city streets. He’s a celebrity in his own right, and he’s home where he belongs.